Pacific Crest Youth Arts Organization is a non-profit youth group dedicated to providing artistic performance opportunities for young people through the Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, a Drum Corps International World Class competitor.

Archives for January 2017

Matthew Shippey first performed with Pacific Crest in 2016. The 2017 season will be his second as a member of the snare line.

Tell us about your background and family.
I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. I have 3 older siblings, 2 brothers and one sister. Their names are Mike, Sara, and Brian.

What brought you to Pacific Crest?
My high school instructor is a vet of Pacific Crest and wanted me to go audition for the 2015 season. And as it was my first time auditioning I was super nervous; however, after that audition I have grown to love drum corps, and it pushed me to audition for this amazing world class organization.

How did the Pacific Crest experience impact your life?
Pacific Crest has changed my life for the better. It was one of the best experiences of my life because I’ve never been pushed to my limit giving it all on a field with 149 brothers and sisters who care about each other. We’re all a big family and I’m glad to be a part of this organization. The best part of tour was performing on the field every single day. I felt so alive and every time I look back at a video of our show when the biggest hit of the show arrived (“Last Train Home”), I almost want to tear up because I worked so unbelievably hard, and it is amazing to see how much I’ve grown in a single season.

How do you think Pacific Crest will affect your future goals and plans?
Pacific Crest has launched me to bigger places than I could’ve imagined: It launched me into Dark Sky Percussion, an independent world class finalist drum line, and I am also hoping to continue on in my career to be one of the best drummers in Southern California.

Is there anything else you want to say about yourself, your life, the people who have most influenced and inspired you?
I am absolutely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to participate in drum corps. As a vet going into 2017, I am super proud to call Pacific Crest my family. The person that pushed me and inspired me to do this unbelievable activity is my former high school instructor, Chris Doolittle. He was one of the reasons I got where I am today, and I’m grateful that he was leading me on the right path toward making my dreams into reality.

Is there something you’d like others to know about Pacific Crest?
Pacific Crest is not just the best drum corps in Southern California, but it’s the best community of people I’ve ever come to know. The staff is extremely organized, and there is never a day where we don’t get fed 3 meals a day with a snack before lights out. I wouldn’t have it any other way than to be with the best drum corps in Southern California.

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Pacific Crest is funded, in-part, by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. Thank You!

About Pacific Crest

Pacific Crest is one of North America’s most-respected performing arts organizations, serving more than 3,000 youth each year. We are Southern California’s only Drum Corps International (DCI) World Class Drum and Bugle Corps and represent SoCal at the DCI World Championships annually.